I finally got my hosta seeds in the mail and planted them. (H.ventricosa) So a week or two goes by and I figure I should water them again, this evening I spot something growing under the lid and I think 'How did I grow a hosta so fast and why is it so funny looking'. As I get closer I find out why!!

I GREW A MUSHROOM, WHAT DID YOU GROW?

Susan

In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.....Margaret Atwood

Susan....I always sterilize my hosta seedling potting soil with boiling water before planting. One year I made the mistake of watering the seedlings with water out of my aquarium. I had mold on the soil within a few days.

OK, I will add some peroxide to the plant water, that would have taken care of it but I keep forgetting. I think it is the potting soil because I keep getting fungus gnats. Not as bad as it was. Last winter I stored the potting soil in the garage and there were gnats on the window all winter. We could not figure it out. Then a lady on one of the forums explained what they are putting in the organic potting soil is the equivalent of rotting fruit on the counter. I was thinking of buying the plain top soil and add my own stuff. The peroxide (just a teaspoon or so in a gallon) will put nitrogen into the soil and kill any fungus.

Good advice Susan,
I did hear something similar. Also the most important part; how are you hosta seedlings doing?
Paul,
I use my fish tank water all the time. On my cactus seedlings that I posted on the C & S forum, I used not only the water but some of the brown waist from sand cleaning. It did turn my soil a whitish look but to no problems.
Before I start a seed growing. I microwave my soil with a plastic wrap covering. Risky but I watch very carefully. Needs only a minuet. Let cool back down and always did good for me. Soil must be damp, not moist.